Egypt's liberals and Islamists clash in violent protests

Protesters chant slogans in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 12. Supporters of Egypt's new Islamist president stormed a stage erected by opposition activists, smashed loudspeakers and tore the structure down during competing protests Friday in Cairo. The scuffles between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi reflect deep political divisions among the country's 82 million people, more than a year after the popular uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.

Reuters -- Opponents and supporters of Egypt's President Mohamed Mursi clashed in Cairo on Friday in the first street violence between rival factions since the Islamist leader took office.

Islamists and their opponents threw stones, bottles and petrol bombs, and some fought hand-to-hand, showing how feelings still run high between the rival groups trying to shape the new Egypt after decades of autocracy, even though the streets have generally been calmer since Mursi's election in June.

An anti-Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohamed Morsi protester cries on the ground as a man tries to calm him down during clashes with Morsi supporters in Tahrir square, in Cairo, on Oct. 12, in the worst violence over Egypt's new Islamist leader, a day after he crossed swords with the judiciary. The health ministry said at least 12 people were wounded as protesters showered each other with stones, after Morsi supporters tore down a podium from which anti-Brotherhood chants were being orchestrated.

EPA

Egyptian Muslim brotherhood protesters take away an injured comrade hit during clashes with opponents of President Mohamed Mursi in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 12.

Activists were in the streets of Cairo today demanding more action from President Mohammed Morsi. NBCNews.com's Dara Brown reports.